Dr. Ames discusses his introduction to archaeology in the Pacific Northwest, beginning with the Meier site in the Portland Basin and extending to the Cathlapotle plankhouse. He also explains how archaeologists were able to find the Cathlapotle site on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

Dr. Ames discusses archaeology at the Cathlapotle and Meier sites in the Portland/Vancouver Metropolitan area. Cathlapotle is a Chinookan archaeological site located at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Meier is located in the urban Portland Basin.

Dr. Ames discusses differences between water-based and pedestrian societies. He explains how archaeologists and historians understand the canoe culture of the Chinook Indian people of the Pacific Northwest.

Dr. Ames discusses the politics of working at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse site. He discusses the multiple stakeholders and decision-making considerations. He distinguishes between official politics and entangled relations amongst individuals, and also discusses relations between Native people and archaeologists.

Dr. Ames discusses changes in the practice of archaeology, especially relations between archaeologists and Native people. He addresses the development of indigenous archaeology, applied archaeology, and the role of archaeology as a science.